Dr.
Jones named 'Family Physician of the Year'The Idaho Academy of Family Physicians recently named Dr. Andrew Jones
‘Family Physician of the Year, 2007.’ The IAFP, formed in Boise 59
years ago, has 550 active family physician members across the state and
recognized Dr. Jones for his contribution in practicing full scope family
medicine and teaching family medicine residents. Dr. Jones
received this prestigious award on Saturday, May 19th at the annual IAFP
officer installation luncheon. “Dr Jones was very honored and in his acceptance speech he expressed
his appreciation to his fellow physicians, supporting staff, patients,
and especially his family,” said Dr. Haley Minnehan, who was present, along
with Dr. Jack Secrest, at the award luncheon.
Dr. Jones joined the staff of St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics, Cottonwood,
in 1989. He sees patients in the Cottonwood, Nezperce, Elk City and
Kamiah clinics, in addition to performing general and laparoscopic surgery
and endoscopy. He also has an active OB practice, volunteers for
the TAR WARS anti-tobacco program and serves on the Board of Directors
for the Idaho perinatal project and the Idaho Colon Cancer Prevention Task
Force. Dr. Jones is an avid teacher for family medicine residents
and was recently appointed as a University of Washington School of Medicine
clinical professor of rural family medicine.
As a youngster, Dr. Jones decided he wanted to be a doctor. “When
I was a child our closest family friend was an osteopathic physician and
I was constantly pretending to give my playmates shots, so it was just
meant to be,” said Jones. “I decided to become a family practice
doctor and further my education and experience to perform surgeries.
I think it helps our patients to have a local resource for various surgical
procedures. I love being a doctor and working with my patients and
their families.”
Dr. Jones graduated in 1983 from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic
Medicine in Kirskville, Missouri which was chartered in 1892 as the first
school of its kind in the United States. He completed internship
and family practice residency in Flint, Michigan. Following residency,
he served as an Air Force Medical Officer at Hills AFB in Utah for three
years. He remained in the Air Force Reserves until 1996.
“Dr. Jones cares very deeply about his patients. He has excellent
rapport with them and they appreciate not only his experience and knowledge,
but his passion and concern for their welfare. He is deserving of
this award and we’re glad he has been recognized for his hard work over
the years,” said Casey Meza, CEO, St. Mary’s and Clearwater Valley Hospitals.
According to Neva Santos, IAFP Executive Director, the Family Physician
of the Year is selected for their ability to provide patients with compassionate,
comprehensive and caring family medicine on a continuing basis. He
has been nominated for the national ‘Family Physician of the Year’ which
will be announced by the American Academy of Family Physicians in March,
2008.